Duramax and a Big Three Update

dhalltoyo · Feb 28, 2006

Are things getting better? From an engineering standpoint I would say they are improving. From an attitude perspective things remain status quo. The folks at the BIG Three still are quite removed from the concerns (Reasonable concerns) voiced by the consumer.

For example, I wanted to carry the new two-stage fuel filter system for my new 2006 Duramax Diesel in the van. Just in case I got a run to Laredo and nobody down there had one in stock. 30 days ago I asked the dealership to make they had one in stock for my regular maintenance and an extra one that I could purchase for a back up. I was in today for an oil change and they still don't have one available. I called around throughout the GM organization and nobody has this filter kit. I asked the service manager how GM can sell me a $30,000 van and not provide basic maintenance replacement parts? His reply, "I wish I had an answer for you."

OK, so what I am supposed to do if I don't have one available before I roll the next 6,000 miles and hit the GM maintenance guidelines for a replacement. That's right! I have to park the van and wait on GM to provide me with a filter.

Oh, by the way. I called Racor who makes the filters for this kit and they have plenty of those components in stock, but I can't buy them because GM has proprietary rights. That's cool, because I am all about a FREE MARKET ECONOMY, but I would certainly appreciate GM getting off of its backside and lending me a hand.

Over the years, this has been my repeated experience with the Big Three. That being, "We are so big that we can do what we want to do." What's it going to take to change that mindset. Shutting down more plants, idling workers and losing marketshare.

Hey, I bought your van. I am doing my part. Now please do your part!

bryan · Feb 28, 2006

HI
This is the reason I never buy a vehicle the first year it comes out.We put too many miles on them in the first year to fit into the average maintanance schedules.It would be nice if the van builders would recongize us but they don't.By the end of the first year we have put on as many miles as the average Joe will put on in a life time.With in 3 months we have found all the warrentee issues.It cost us way too much to be down while the tech figure out the problems and then the mechanics try to figure out the easiest way to solve them.

The only helpful suggetion I can give is to call Raycor and ask if they didn't make a simalar filter for a different vehicle.Ford exhaust gaskets{donuts} for my van are the same as a 1960 thru 1970 Chevy 350's I can get the Chevy's at any parts store for under $2.00 but I have to order the Ford's and their $15.00.Take the van to a smaller truck repair facillity and let them look at it.I'd try one in Indiana or Iowa just incase the similar filter is off of a John Deere tractor or a Case backhoe.

Who actually makes the Duramax.International makes the Ford, Mercedes makes the Sprinter and Cummins makes the Dodge?With my first Ford 7.3L I had better luck getting parts from International as they had been making that engine for several years.Everytime I called the Ford dealer for a part they had to order it and I had to pay overnite freight charges only to find out that NAPA had the part but with a International part number.Tell me who made the engine and what size it is and I'll try to cross reference it for you.

bryan · Feb 28, 2006

Hi
Check out this web site they are showing a picture of a Fram P9059.
www.gmdieseltech.com.Also check out www.dieseltech.com they have some specs for your truck and some helpfull maintanance tips including an after market filter that installs closer to the fuel tank so that your main filter stays cleaner longer and it is easier to change.If the Fram p9059 is your filter Auto Zone sells them for about $30.00.

redytrk · Feb 28, 2006

The Duramax 6600 light-truck diesel engine is a result of a joint venture between Isuzu and General Motors Corporation.

If there is an Isuzu dealer in your area, you might want to check with them.
,

tom tinker · Feb 28, 2006

Tom Tinker Retired or retarded. I thought van and pickup has same engine. Called Good GMC in GR they said same engine. Except may use different filters for location on vehicle. Got this from parts I asked about availablity, he said he didn't have problem getting them.
They order parts through Izuzu. Don't know where your located?

Sincerely Tom Tinker

dhalltoyo · Feb 28, 2006

The van has two filters mounted on the frame just in front of the tank. One is like what you find on the pickup. The other is a higher mircon density.

I think after calling every department at GM Corporate I finallly got somebody's attention. They are supposed to send a Critical Shipment out this week to all van owners. Then a follow up shipment in a 10 days to fulfill standing orders from dealership parts departments.

The engine is made about a 10 minute walk from my house in Moraine, OH. Maybe I could stand at the gate and beg for food (or parts)

RichM · Feb 28, 2006

Better to just walk in and say "I am the filter guy". They will point you to where 4 zillion filters are that do not appear on the computer because the low paid UAW guy had to sleep when they arrived and subsequently were not logged in.

tom tinker · Feb 28, 2006

Tom Tinker Retired or retarded. Hi dhalltoyo Glad to hear some one listened to you hope they follow through. First thing parts guy said to was for you to carry a spare I told him what you said, hardly find one to use right away. I'v been waiting for dsl to come back in vans hope they work good for you. I just seen on front page, where Freight shaker and Detroit Diesel partners, no surprise they were or are owned by same people. Strange 1964 I started with D.D. They sure have had a trip from Penske. Little history.